More Than a Journey: How the UK Gave Us Family, Strength, and New Dreams - A Retrospective by Nirmala Bhandari
Some trips change your location. Others change your life. Our UK journey did both.
In 2025, through the generosity of Step Three Construction (who raised more than £30,000), Nirmala Bhandari and her partner Krishna Chhetri of the Nirmala Foundation visited the UK (on two occassions) for Nirmala to have a new Ottobock prosthetic fitted (thanks to Dorset Orthopaedic) and to attend multiple events across the UK to promote their foundation. Nirmala recently spoke to us about her experiences of the UK, and how these trips will allow her to attempt to reach Everest Base Camp in 2026, and represent a catalyst for change for the Nirmala Foundation.
“This year, my partner Krish and I had the incredible opportunity to visit the UK. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by a blend of familiarity and newness. The culture was different, yet there were echoes of home everywhere. We met many faces we recognised, and some new ones who quickly became friends. The encouragement and positive energy we received made us feel truly supported, reminding us that family isn’t always defined by blood, it's defined by bond.
Thanks to the warmth of our UK ‘family’, Krish and I experienced a sense of care and belonging that was truly special. It was humbling and heartwarming to feel so welcomed in a foreign land, experiencing a homely environment for the first time in countries we visited. Our first and second visits were both very special for us, especially krish who had never visited another country before. Even some friends who have been living in the UK for years, haven’t explored or felt that level of connection. We equally enjoyed sharing and selling authentic Nepali wares which we brought along with us. On these trips, we experienced many ‘firsts’.
Personally, these trips marked a milestone in my journey with prosthetics. After months of adapting, I managed to complete a couple of challenging yet empowering hiking experiences that boosted my confidence in walking. Looking ahead, I’m excited about further improvements and the dream of reaching Everest Base Camp next summer. I am equally looking forward to the transition of my new socket in the summer.
On the professional front, due to the generosity of Step Three Construction, we now have a new accessible office space, filled with energy and support to pursue the dream projects of Nirmala Foundation. The combination of personal growth, professional progress, and the unwavering support from friends and family in the U.K has made 2025 the most remarkable year for us so far. Together we ‘Let No One Sit on the Sideline’ and will do so going forward.
We’re grateful to everyone who supported my childhood, my UK visit, my prosthesis, and the work of the Nirmala Foundation. This journey reminded us that with encouragement, love, and determination, boundaries are meant to be crossed and dreams are meant to be pursued. The year 2025 was the best year for us.”
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Where the Journey Began
Our story began on June 22, 2025, as my partner Krish and I traveled from Kathmandu to Dubai and onward to Heathrow. After a long and tiring journey, we were welcomed at the airport by David Rivers (Baje) and Ally Rivers (Baju). Their warmth, smiles, and genuine care overwhelmed us in the most beautiful way. That very first welcome made us feel safe, loved, and at home.
Late that night, after a two-hour drive, we arrived in Burwash. Stepping into the house felt less like arriving in a new country and more like returning to a place we somehow already belonged. That quiet first night gently set the tone for everything that followed.
Family Beyond Blood
From the very beginning, the UK felt like a rare blend of new experiences and familiar emotions. The culture was different, yet everywhere we went, there were echoes of home. We met people we already knew and many others who quickly became family.
We stayed the longest with David and Ally Rivers and their family, and every corner of their home felt familiar—as if we had known each other for years. Our days were filled with conversations about life, ideas, future plans, connecting people, and dreaming about how to take our work global. We shared stories we had never spoken aloud before and listened to others with open hearts.
This journey reminded us of a simple but powerful truth: family isn’t defined by blood, but by bond.
Long Roads, Big Hearts, and Endless Care
A significant part of our journey involved driving long hours to my ortho clinic in Ringwood, Dorset—and back. These tiring journeys were only possible because of the kindness, patience, and dedication of so many people.
From Helen Didi Paul Dai, Andrew Dai, Sophie Dd, to David and Ally Baju, Charlie Dai, and Dalma Dd—your love and care carried us through moments of exhaustion, hope, and healing. Truly, nothing would have been possible without you all.
One moment still makes us smile: I once reached the ortho clinic only to suddenly realise I had left my new prosthetic leg at home. It was embarrassing and funny at the same time. Without hesitation, Dalma drove all the way back to get it. That moment perfectly captured the spirit of this journey—support without judgment, and love without limits.
A heartfelt thank you to Andrew Cardel, who generously shared his home in the New Forest during most of our Dorset clinic visits, making our appointments smoother, easier, and far more effective.
Healing, First Steps, and Growing Confidence
This trip marked a powerful milestone in my prosthetic journey. After months of adaptation, I managed to complete a couple of hikes—challenging, emotional, and deeply empowering. Every step strengthened my confidence and reminded me how far I’ve come.
I am deeply thankful to Charlie Dai and the entire team for understanding my physical challenges and helping raise funds for my prosthetic leg. This support was not just about changing a prosthesis—it was about changing possibilities, not only for me, but for many Nepali girls who dream of adventure and independence.
I am also sincerely grateful to the Ottobock Centre and Shaun for their professional expertise, care, and dedication. Looking ahead, I’m excited about transitioning to a new socket this summer and carrying forward a dream that now feels closer than ever—reaching Everest Base Camp next year.
Celebration, Community, and Giving Back
There were many moments of celebration and shared purpose throughout our journey. From meals at the Royal Oak Restaurant, time with the Three Step team (Joe, Sara, Sarah Leigh, Ashley), and the constant encouragement from Craig and the entire fundraising team—every moment carried meaning.
One particularly memorable gathering took place at the Himalayan Restaurant in Leamington Spa, where more than 45 people—familiar and new—came together for an evening of connection, sharing, and ideas. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us through dinner, product purchases, and heartfelt encouragement.
We also had the wonderful opportunity to sell our products at Frampton Cotterell Church (Zion United Church). Thank you Helen Didi and Paul Dai for creating this opportunity and helping us raise funds. In Manchester, Hazel organised a beautiful fundraising dinner at Jai Kathmandu, which became more than an event—it became a gathering of hope, connection, and shared purpose.
From long bus journeys on National Express to London cabs weaving through busy streets, from jackfruit potatoes to roasted chicken, from new cuisines to new conversations—every experience was rich, joyful, and unforgettable.
A huge thank you to Charlie Rivers’ band members for the wonderful celebrations and for helping us raise funds, and special appreciation to Sarah from Step 3 Constructions for standing with us and believing in our mission.
These weren’t just events—they were moments where community transformed into collective strength.
Growing Together: Personal and Professional
Alongside personal healing, this year also marked important professional growth. We now have a new accessible office space, filled with energy, ideas, and encouragement to move forward with the dream projects of Nirmala Foundation.
The combination of personal milestones, professional progress, and unwavering support from friends and family in the UK has made 2025 the most remarkable year of our lives so far. Together, we continue to live by our belief:
“Let No One Sit on the Sideline.”
Homes Across the UK
Our journey across the UK was made truly special by the generosity of our hosts, who opened not just their homes, but their hearts to us.
A heartfelt thank you to Helen Didi and Paul Dai in Bristol, where staying felt deeply comforting and truly like home. To Andrew Dai and Sophie Dd in Leamington, thank you for your warmth, care, and constant support. Hazel in Manchester, your kindness and time meant so much to us—through Manchester, we connected with people, raised funds, and explored places like Liverpool, the Lake District, and Manchester United Stadium, each adding meaning to our journey.
We are deeply grateful to David and Ally Rivers in Burwash, where we stayed the longest and felt an instant, deep connection. Thank you to Alex Sir and Lilu Mam in Leicester for your generous hospitality, and to Charles Sir in Market Harborough for your kindness and support. Walking together at the Foxton Locks still feels like yesterday.
Each place we stayed became more than just a stop—it became a safe space filled with conversations, laughter, shared meals, and shared dreams. Every home reminded us that belonging isn’t about where you’re from, but where you are welcomed.
A Journey That Gave Us More Than Travel
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported my childhood journey, our UK visit, my prosthesis, and the work of the Nirmala Foundation. This experience reminded us that with love, encouragement, and determination, boundaries are meant to be crossed and dreams are meant to be pursued.
The UK gave us more than a trip—it gave us family, confidence, first-times, and unforgettable memories.
Feeling grateful. Feeling supported. Feeling truly blessed. 🤍
These visits were made possible with thanks to the following:
David and Ally rivers; for hosting us, Picking them up and dropping them off at the airport, driving hours and hours to and from the ortho clinic at Ringwood, and their non-stop conversation on the past, present, and future of the Nirmala Foundation.
Charlie Rivers; for his unwavering support and guidance.
The Charlie Rivers Band; for providing wonderful music at events.
The Royal Oak, Tunbridge Wells; for providing a great event venue.
Everyone at Step Three Construction; for making this dream a reality.
Helen and Paul Crook & family; for hosting us in Bristol and organising the Zion Church events.
Andrew and Sophie Small & family; for hosting us in Leamington Spa and organising the Leamington Event.
Himalayan Restaurant & Bar in Leamington Spa; for providing a beautiful venue for our Leamington Spa event.
Andrew Cardel; Who gave us the biggest favour by sharing his house in New forest on each visit to dorset clinic.
Alex Meher & family; for hosting us in Leicester.
Charles Barton; for hosting us in Market Harborough.
Hazel Ann Roy; for hosting us in Manchester and organising the Manchester event.
Jai Kathmandu, Manchester; for providing a venue for our Manchester event.
Shaun Annandale & everyone at Dorset Orthopaedic, Ringwood; Who gave Nirmala a sense of security and hope for a new prosthesis with their persistent patience and calmness.